Pet Food Recall

Pet food maker Blue Buffalo has agreed to pay $32 million to settle a group of class action lawsuits filed on behalf of consumers who said the company’s products made their pets ill. It’s thought to be the largest pet food class action settlement ever.

The amount each qualifying pet owner receives will depend on the total amount of Blue Buffalo products purchased during the class period and certain other conditions, the company said.

Blue Buffalo has denied any wrongdoing and says health problems encountered by consumers’ pets may have been caused by supplier misconduct.

“More than a year ago, we informed our Pet Parents about the misconduct of a former ingredient supplier and a broker. While we will continue to pursue our claims against them, we decided that it is in the best interest of our Pet Parents and our company to resolve the class actions now,” said Bill Bishop, chairman and founder of Blue Buffalo.